Baja Fairyduster
Calliandra californica
This photo was taken in Glendale, Arizona, USA. May 2011.
RANGE: This plant is native to Baja California including parts of the
Sonoran Desert there, but is not naturally found in the USA. It is extensively
planted in xeriscape gardens.
FLOWERS: Very long, conspicuous stamens are deep red. The flower petals
by contrast are small and add little to the flower's showiness. Several flowers
are borne in each spherical cluster.
SHRUB: A low shrub rarely over 1 meter
tall. Leafless during periods of drought and after frost.
LEAVES: Finely dissected, bi-pinnate leaves. The leaves close up at
night or if the plant is heavily disturbed/broken.
FRUIT: Flattened bean pods are held erect and begin to curl with
maturity.
UNARMED: Like the other fairy duster species this plant lacks thorns.
Landscape
architechs seem to really like the bright red color ... The native species is
every bit as beautiful and should be more widely planted by desert gardeners.